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I work on Dell optiplex 790 that has two graphics cards: embedded Intel (with VGA output) and 'normal' ATI Radeon (with DVI output). Unfortunately only the first one works. Although both cables (DVI and VGA) are connected to my display, when I change mode to DVI, I get a blank screen. I tried to install drivers from the dell site, but problem persists. I was also told to change video settings in bios, but there were no setting related to switching between cards. What could I do now?

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first, try re-booting with JUST the DVI connected. it may be that defaulting to VGA as primary is causing you problems. if that still fails, go into your display properties and look for dual monitor settings and see if it's showing up as a second disabled monitor that needs enabling.

Also try getting latest drivers from the AMD/ATi site rather than from Dell. the Dell ones are usually just OEM branded anyway.

http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/Pages/index.aspx

if you don't know exactly what RADEON it is, they have an auto detect tool:

http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/windows/Pages/auto_detect.aspx

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  • I disconnected my VGA cable and DVI works. What a simple solution, thanks!
    – mrzasa
    Jan 9, 2012 at 7:53
  • glad it worked ;-)
    – geocoin
    Jan 11, 2012 at 5:02
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Two quick notes. If you plug a video card into a PCI slot, the BIOS will automatically disable the onboard VGA adapter. Also, if your Optiplex 790 came with two ATI graphic cards, and you can only get a display on one of them, go into the ATI Catalist Control Center and disable crossfire. Then go into your display settings and redetect your display. BaddaBoom, problem solved.

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Optiplex 790 Machines will only use the built-in graphics card or an expansion card but not both. You first need to go into the BIOS and disable the integrated graphics. This will allow the BIOS to recognize the card. Bear in mind that because the BIOS was programmed this way on purpose, you cannot run both at once.

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  • Unfortunalety I couldn't found in BIOS any option related to graphics switching.
    – mrzasa
    Jan 9, 2012 at 7:52
  • Do you know which form factor of Optiplex 790 you have? I might be able to get some step by steps if I knew if it was a Ultra-Small, Mini or tower model.
    – ChargerIIC
    Jan 9, 2012 at 15:07
  • Thanks for you help, the another comment helped me fixing my issue.
    – mrzasa
    Jan 9, 2012 at 15:40

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